Gold iPhone Could Help Apple in Chinese Smartphone Market

Posted by Nathan Kirsch| Thu, Aug 22, 2013 - 9:29 AM

The smartphone and tablet market in China is fiercely competitive and Apple has taken a beating there so far in 2013. This is due to the introduction of many less expensive devices using Google’s Android platform rapidly overtaking iOS powered iPads and iPhones. We all know that Apple will announce an updated iPhone 5, possibly to be called an iPhone 5S or maybe even an iPhone 6, on Sept. 10th, 2013. But, did you know that Apple is likely going to be releasing a gold-colored iPhone this time around? No one thinks that Apple will literally will put gold in a smartphone, but it will certainly be gold-colored! Throughout much of Asia, gold represents the color of prosperity and influence. Could the gold iPhone be targeted more to Chinese consumers in China?

The idea makes sense and sites like AllThingsD, 9to5Mac and TechCrunch have reported that a gold iPhone will be unveiled next month. It also comes at a time when Apple is struggling to stay on top in China. For example last year the Apple iPad had a 49% market share in China, but that recently dropped to just 28% last quarter. Maybe gold-colored iPads and iPhones are just what the doctor ordered!

Other expected changes include a fingerprint sensor, a lower cost iPhone 5C model and perhaps a new 128 GB model being other significant additions besides the new gold color option.